Juxtapose PSID: Historic Structures Marry Designs of the Present

The Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) Graduating Class of 2018 recently mounted an interior design exhibit of 17 well-thought-out booths with the theme, JUXTAPOSE: Espasyo at Panahon. Juxtapose PSID is all about the historic structures of the yesteryears combined with designs of the present to make it look more updated, yet still preserving history and culture.

Let me take you on a stroll down memory lane with the awesome exhibits made by PSID students!

Tucked away in a quiet area of San Juan is the Castro House. It was built in 1933 by Sps. Melquiades & Victoria Castro, the house hides a 15 sqm bomb shelter underneath its kitchen floor. This unique feature inspired the group to transform it into a speakeasy. Multi-localism, referring to an awareness of foreign cultures and imbibing them locally, is used as a concept for our design—which was achieved by combining the intimate allure of a speakeasy, the spartan look of a bomb shelter, and the familiar elements of Filipino style.

From the ground level, a funnel-like stairway leads to the bar with amber lights glowing from its intricate panels made from capiz and wood chips, highlighting the liquor display supported by metal bars. Smokey accent mirrors, complementing the texture of polished cement, hide the latrine and TV. Across the bar, the wall is accentuated by Spanish tiles as an ode to the shelter’s original flooring. The seating is a fusion of contemporary wire bar stools and accent tables in solihiya weave pattern. Completing the ambiance is the ceiling donned in earth-colored sandbags. Carefully placed ambient lighting cast a sense of secrecy, staying true to the historical attributes of a speakeasy.

A well-known tourist spot in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is home to heritage houses, some of which have been converted into inns, museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Inspired by the architectural elements of the Cabildo Ancestral House in Calle Crisologo and the rich culture surrounding it, the group came up with an interior that seeks to embody its distinctive Spanish colonial character. Because of its location, the group decided to repurpose the space into an atelier, showcasing the works of an outstanding Filipino couturier.

The distressed white finish and the intricate callado patterns in the original structure were retained to preserve its original character. Wide mirrors with brass borders, heavy curtains, floral patterns, and capiz laminates pays homage to the muted opulence during the Spanish era. On the other hand, pink padded panels, bespoke furniture in white ducco finish, and pieces such as the Ghost Chair and Madeleine chair inject a younger and more modern vibe, bringing the space to the 21st century. Overall the design aims to celebrate Cabildo house’s place as a constant witness to Vigan’s rich history and culture, standing the test of time since the 18th century.

Built in 1929, the Tañada ancestral house was purchased by the late Sen. Lorenzo M. Tañada and his wife in the early 1950s, where they raised their family of 9. The grounds were later on split among their children, until such time that only the main house remained on a much smaller plot of land.

A stroke of wild imagination and a little creativity is all it takes to reimagine the Tañada ancestral house into a modern residential space. Trends in residential living have seen major changes throughout the years. Developers are building vertically and compact living has become the norm in order to maximize square footage. The same concept of building upwards was applied by taking advantage of the bungalow’s gable roof to create a gorgeous loft apartment with a vaulted ceiling. Spanish tiles and patterns give this home character, tempered by clean lines and modern industrial finishes, keeping the look spacious and airy. The sophisticated black-and-white interiors are given warmth by the wooden floors and furniture pieces. Built-in storage is utilized to maintain a streamlined look, turning the area into a space anyone would be proud to call home.

Built in 1927, the Laurel Ancestral House is one of the first houses built along F. Benitez St. in San Juan. Four generations of Laurels have lived within its walls and ownership still remains in the family. In 2010, major renovation efforts were undertaken to ensure the structural integrity of the house remained intact.

Given its location within a residential neighborhood in San Juan, the group has chosen to adaptively reuse Laurel’s Ancestral House as a Private Spa. The booth consists of three areas—the massage area, lounge area and tub area. As an ode to the house’s original architectural details, the group has decided to use Modern Filipino as the spa’s design theme. As such, natural materials and ambient lighting were used to bring forth a relaxing ambience. To contrast the warm earthy colors, textured glass and metals are also incorporated into the design. Natural elements such as pebble and plants complete the look.

The warmth of mood lighting captures the sense of sight, the different textures engage our sense of touch and the aromas captivate our sense of smell. All these design elements are brought forth to create an environment that engages the senses and that indulges its customers with a great private spa experience.

BOOTH 5: Bridal Boudoir
MEMBERS: Janz Go, Faye Cascante, Jaja Jagunap

Situated in a quiet neighborhood in the city of San Juan is the Castro House. Built in 1933 by Sps. Melquiades and Victoria Castro, the Castro House has been a family home since its construction. Because foot traffic is relatively low in the area, the group has rethought the space as an events hall.

Along the side of the house is a spacious patio where an intimate gathering, such as a private wedding, can take place. Inside, there is a roomy and spacious living area on one side and a dining room on the other side. The second floor holds four bedrooms, one of which the group has decided to highlight as a holding room for a bride preparing for her big day.

The bridal boudoir, despite having a slightly modern vibe, does not take away from the nostalgic feel of its original Filipino art deco design, which the group has decided to highlight. Such details can be found from the wooden floors to the furniture pieces and accessories, from the moldings and panels on the walls to the lighting fixtures. All these details strive to create a perfect balance between the old and the new, proving that one can utilize structures of the past and breathe new life into them again, making them relevant once more.

The Punzalan Ancestral House was one of the homes of Atanasia Aniversario, popularly known during her time as Kabesang Tana, who was the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Taal. Since being built in the 1900s, the house has seen generations of the family come and go. Owing to its strategic location, the house has since been converted to a tourist inn. Taking the idea one step further, the group proposes to add a spa and teahouse to the existing inn in order to maximize the business potential of the site.

The spa will center on the Filipino ancient art of healing or ‘hilot’ with the use of volcanic rock massage, while the teahouse will highlight special herbal teas grown right in the backyard of the house.

Taking inspiration from the structural design and original finishes of the house, the group has decided to add a modern tropical touch to the area. The original interiors and terra cotta tile flooring is effortlessly melded with modern finishes like wallpaper and contemporary furniture designs. The intent is to come forth with a design that encapsulates the best of both worlds—deeply rooted in the traditions of the past, but utilizing the innovations of the present to strike the perfect balance of the old and the new.

Intramuros today is a hubbub of activity—from students plying their routes to nearby schools, to vendors selling their wares, and to tourists exploring the cobblestoned streets. Within this microcosm of Manila life, we envision the Aduana Building revived as a bustling commercial building with a bookshop and café, attracting tourists and locals alike.

La Moneda Bookshop and Café takes inspiration from the history of the Aduana as the Mint House or Casa de Moneda, where the first Philippine coins were made. To echo this pivotal moment, the overall design of the space reflects the lustrous shine of the coin—from the artwork showcased against the coin wall to the copper and metallic touches in the fixtures and fabrics used.

The proposed design retains its neoclassical façade, its interior structure featuring original arches and exposed beams in concrete, and an iron gate inspired by the original gates of the building. Padded walls and a cowhide rug add softness and depth to the space while touches of wood and red stone flooring create a cozy ambiance. Bespoke furniture and a coffee bar inspired by the ruins complete the industrial glam look. In totality, the La Moneda Bookshop and Café glistens in historical charm and breathes new life to its original home.

The former PSID Building located at 2230 Pasong Tamo Street in Makati City is one of the iconic buildings designed by Architect and Interior Designer Lor Calma. Built during the 1960s, the building boasts of a contemporary modern design not common during that era.

The space that the group chose to adaptively reuse in this heritage building is the hallway and entrance to the school. There are three (3) distinct elements that can be found—the wooden wall inscribed with baybayin, the adobe stone wall, and the steel gate made of wrought iron grills in all its details. Focusing on the above-mentioned elements, the group has chosen to reimagine the space as a cafe where creatives can meet and discuss ideas, or simply to chill and absorb the vibe of the place. Dubbed Cafe+Creatives (CC), the design revolves around the theme of contemporary modern Filipino Ingenuity in its organic form, prioritizing human needs within a space. In correlation with contemporary aesthetics and design, the group pays homage to the architectural and design ingenuity of the Icon and Master Sir Lor Calma, as he paved the way towards Philippine modernism in Architecture and Design.

The Philippine School of Interior Design can trace back its beginnings to 1967, when it first launched its four-term basic course. Designed by Architect Lor Calma, the Philippine School of Interior Design, then called the Philippine Center of Interior Design, was housed in a levitating building built in the modern international style. Located along the stretch of Pasong Tamo in Makati, the building stands out among its peers with its distinctive features. No detail was also spared inside with one wall featuring an adobe stone finish, while another wooden wall is inscribed with baybayin. Furthermore, details such as the paint-splattered floor and the minimalist brass staircase, coupled with the vast windows looking outwards creates a bold statement that is ephemeral yet timeless. Truly, the architecture and architectural interiors showcase the best of 1950s modernism movement.

Given the location of the site, as well as its history of being PSID’s first home, the group proposes to convert the space into a museum-inspired cafe done in a mid-century modern style. The concept is to create a balance, utilizing natural light and clean lines with neutral tones to enhance the tranquil and living experience.

BOOTH 10: Cafe 308
MEMBERS: Abi Lazo

Designed in a neoclassical and beaux-arts style, the Regina Building is one of the few buildings in Escolta that has survived the horrors of World War II. The building boasts of timeless design elements such as pedimented windows, balusters, bas-reliefs, and sculptural groups. Due to its location in the heart of Binondo, the group reimagined the space as a coffee bar that caters to men and women who are always on-the-go yet who would need their caffeine boost for the day.

While the facade is retained, the interiors are finished in an industrial-retro style brought forth in the 21st century. Aged wood planks juxtaposed with concrete make up the floor, while a contemporary wall mural of Escolta and a vertical plant wall liven up the space. Grill works in weathered paint finish can also be found on the walls for visual interest and draws the eyes upward to the coffered ceiling design.

All of the furniture pieces are also carefully chosen to ensure consistency in the design— from the classic Chesterton sofa in leather to the studded antique chest to the bar with salvaged wood cladding and concrete finish. Lighting has also been carefully chosen to create an environment that is of the past and the present.

“Kusina Aduana” provides an experience to last a lifetime. It offers hands-on cooking classes in order for one to develop a deep appreciation of the flavors, history and culture of Filipino cuisine. Each participant will be able to prepare various dishes under the guidance of experienced local chefs at one’s own workstation.

Discover and try the local food scene by experiencing some of the country’s famous delicacies. Explore and experience a local market where your chef will teach and encourage you to taste along the way. Get an in-depth glimpse into Filipino cuisine through a cookery course, which may vary based on the season.

Kusina Aduana offers a modern rustic design with a touch of Filipino elements. The modern rustic style brings warmth to spaces and adds timeless profiles to the contemporary designs. It embraces nature-inspired textures while making use of simple and earthy colors. Natural wood and stones are prominent in this kitchen design. Modern kitchen cabinets and appliances are incorporated in the space for a contemporary look alongside Filipino accessories such as rattan weave, palayok are used.

The Aduana building, which was once the headquarters for the Customs Office in Intramuros, has been reimagined and redesigned into a commercial complex. Within its premises is Below Zero Gelateria, where students and tourists alike can lounge around and beat the heat with the shop’s tasty selection.

The proposed Modern Classic design brings together a timeless yet subtle air of sophistication reminiscent of Imperial Manila with a hint of humility and simplicity. Polished concrete was used for both the walls and the flooring while and bricks were used to mimic the remains of the building. Neutral colors run throughout the design including a touch of violet, a color often associated with the color of royalty. Antique mirrors decorate the ceiling and for a part of the wall to give the shop a vintage look while tufted furniture pieces with metal elements provide it class and elegance. The shop’s products are then accentuated through pendant lights positioned above the counter.

Tanduay Fire Station is the oldest operating fire station in Manila’s University Belt area. The group’s vision to turn the station into an edgy modern gym hinges on the concept of making going to the gym feel like a night out.

With this theme in mind, the station was outfitted with strip lighting, black walls and acrylic signages. Reaffirming the nightclub theme, a “dark and moody” atmosphere was created and accentuated by the lights. A hooped ladder, commonly used for industrial buildings, is used as a rack to hold weights and other gym accessories. Recycled black rubber salvaged from the old fire station serves as the cycling studio’s flooring, while the rest of the area is outfitted with resilient wood planks to withstand heavy foot traffic. Furthermore, the fireman’s pole was also retained and used as an accessory for the pole dancing studio. Wood from the ceiling dating back to 1897 was also salvaged and remade into a bench.

Overall, these elements provide a cohesive and consistent language that is able to not only incorporate the space’s history but also showcase it as a focal point of its design.

Located at the corner of Madrid and San Fernando Streets in San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila, the San Nicolas Fire Station was established in 1901 as one of the first fire stations ever built in the country.

Due in part to its location, the group envisioned the San Nicolas Fire Station as a modern and contemporary dormitory with the interiors and facade inspired by the station’s original design. The aesthetic blueprint of this mid-century modern dormitory was inspired by the accent walls and metal works derived from its old form. After being repainted and replaced with a more contemporary interior design, certain elements in the original San Nicolas Fire Station such as the fireman’s pole were left intact. The dormitory’s wooden interior also stayed true to its authentic form. The wood panels of the TV wall were salvaged from the reclaimed wood from the walls and floorings. The bunk beds mimicked the firemen’s quarters and the use of sliding ladders was inspired by actual fire truck ladders. With this one-of-a-kind design, this modern dormitory hopes to cater to students in the nearby schools within San Nicolas, Manila, giving this historical site a new lease on life.

The Tanduay Fire Station in Paco, Manila was first established by Hugh Bonner, a former chief of the New York Fire Department. After the Japanese occupation, it houses a central fire station and firemen’s training school. Currently, it is now surrounded by universities and commercial buildings.
After visiting and experiencing the current situation of the building, the designers proposed to repurpose the storage room as a co-working bar.

The design embraces the old fire station by retaining the bricks, archways, and the metal works in the spiral staircases. To incorporate the steampunk style, pipes, gears, and metallic tones are also used to achieve that edgy look. By re-constructing its original structure and adding features of the steampunk genre, the designers create a new atmosphere that is both nostalgic and fresh.

The fire station turned to co-working bar was envisioned to cater to students and entrepreneurs looking for a conducive space to get work done. Unlike your conventional working spaces, Station no. 15 offers an environment that is more relaxed, creative, and liberating. This gives the space a redefinition in the curves of Manila, serving a new purpose to the modern Manileno.

Situated along a highway, the PNR Polo Station served as the base for military operations of the first Republic. Today, the group envisions it to be an Artisan market and local wine shop–creating an avenue to showcase the nation’s local produce. Brick walls, arched windows, and wall treatments were retained and balanced with contemporary elements of the bronze mirror, steel, and illuminated acrylic. The capiz and a careful selection of furniture and accessories help create the Rustic Contemporary meets Industrial design.

Inspired by the architectural features of Polo Station, the patterned capiz wall arching to the ceiling invites customers to explore the space. The lighted pathway and railway, illuminated arches, black granite, and bronze mirror project an illusion of an infinite railway. The capiz and wood ceiling allows for a subtle division of areas while a dedicated seating is provided for customers to dine and sample the goods.

The various elements used in the design unify the entire space, creating an interior that flows harmoniously. Polo Estacion highlights a perfect blend of the old and the new that evoke an unexpected yet one-of-a-kind charm that can’t be missed.

Built in 1892, the San Fernando Train Station is part of the Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan, the first railway system in the Philippines. Today, the San Fernando Train Station is reimagined into a Gentleman’s Barber Lounge.

The Gentleman’s Barber Lounge is a members-only establishment that offers today’s discerning gentleman a place where they can retreat to refresh their minds and bodies, replenish their energy, and network with their friends. There is a barber shop with traditional grooming services, a lounge with comfortable seating, and a music area that features a curated collection of vinyl records. Though inspired by the original interior architecture of the railway station, the Lounge embraces a contemporary aesthetic. The concept of mixing old and the new is translated not just by the experience offered in the Lounge but also in its design. The original brick walls are retained and juxtaposed with marble panels immersing the entire space with a sense of darkness, intrigue, and understated luxury. The dome of copper pipes as the accent ceiling above the lounge evokes a cave atmosphere. A combination of hard and soft materials are utilized that are commonly associated with masculinity.